Fall is a hectic time for families. Parents juggle new schedules to get their kids back to school and off to extracurricular activities. But just because summer is over doesn’t mean quality time with your children is on hold until next year!
Childhood Obesity: A Scary Epidemic
It’s been reported that about 32% of children and teens are considered overweight or obese. At nearly one in three children, that’s a scary statistic.
For children and adolescents to stick with a physical activity, it needs to be FUN! So find some times when everyone is free and plan a fall full of active play with your family.
Active Play
Inactive children are likely to become inactive adults. By engaging your children in active play, you not only help them become more fit, but you instill habits that they can carry into adulthood.
You are an important role model to your children. The more active you are, the more likely your children will be active and healthy. Give some of these family fun activities a try:
- Croquet. Okay, I know you’re thinking that croquet is not really exercise! But remember, we are talking about active play. Anything that gets your children physically active is a step in the right direction.
- Hiking or Biking. Exploring nature makes a wonderful introduction to healthy activity. Depending on the terrain, hiking (or biking) can be a calming or invigorating family outing. Both improve cardiovascular endurance and help build confidence. Contact your local park service to find scenic trails near you.
- Bowling. Admit it: bowling is fun! And bowling helps build your child’s strength (even the light bowling balls are heavy!).
- Badminton. This is a great game that improves hand-eye coordination while giving your child a good cardiovascular workout. It’s particularly good for the competitors in the family.
- Boating/Rowing. Another good activity that requires some work while bringing your children closer to nature, boating can be a wonderfully relaxing yet energizing experience.
- Wii™. The popular gaming console that incorporates real physical activity, Wii lets your children play golf, tennis, baseball and more. And the new Wii Fit proves that exercise can be fun. In addition to traditional exercises, they can learn rhythm boxing, hula hoop and even the snowboard slalom.
- Ping-Pong™. Also known as ‘table tennis,’ this game improves hand-eye coordination. And chasing the ball all over the room after each point gets your children moving! It’s so much better for them than text messaging for hours at a time.
- Twister. If you played this as a kid, I’m sure you remember that it wasn’t easy. This game is not only fun, but it is a great workout of strength, stability and balance. Dust off your old game or go buy a new one; you won’t regret it.
Getting your family moving may not be as difficult as you think. And it can be a lot of fun! While you’re focusing on getting your children more active, you will be pleasantly surprised at how much YOU enjoy it.
Get active and have fun!
To your health & happiness!
Molly
© GlobalFit 2008
Fitness 101 articles offer introductions to basic concepts and are not comprehensive or necessarily applicable to a particular individual’s circumstances. You should consult your physician before beginning any exercise or nutrition program.
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Molly Napolitano has over 20 years of experience in developing medically based fitness and rehabilitation programs. She earned her master's degree in Exercise & Sports Science at the University of Florida in 1989 and went on to specialize in exercise prescription for the elderly.
In 1991, Molly became the Director of ReQuest Physical Therapy, where she was able to oversee the treatment of thousands of patients. ReQuest was one of the first physical therapy centers to be located inside a fitness club. During that time, she taught many fitness club owners how to open and operate rehabilitation centers inside their facilities. She has presented nationally and internationally at various health and fitness conferences including IHRSA, Club Industry East & West, Athletic Business, and Can-Fit-Pro.
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